Reversible O–H bond activation by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair

The interactions of the O–H bonds in alcohols, water and phenol with dimethylxanthene-derived frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have been probed. Within the constraints of this backbone framework, the preference for adduct formation or O–H bond cleavage to give the corresponding zwitterion is largely determined by pK_a considerations. In the case of the PPh₂/B(C₆F₅)₂ system and p-^tBuC₆H₄OH, an equilibrium is established between the two isomeric forms which allows the thermodynamic parameters associated with zwitterion formation via O–H bond cleavage to be probed.